Structure comes first
Headings, sections, lists, tables, links, notes, and landmarks should be represented semantically rather than simulated with visual formatting. Assistive technologies depend on structure to provide efficient navigation and context.
Images need meaningful alternatives
Informative images need text alternatives that communicate their purpose or essential information. Decorative images should not create useless noise. Complex diagrams may need longer descriptions or surrounding explanatory text.
Navigation must work
The publication needs dependable navigation, a logical reading order, useful link text, and clear landmarks where appropriate. A visual table of contents alone is not enough if the machine-readable navigation is weak.
Accessibility must be discoverable
EPUB Accessibility 1.1 includes metadata requirements so accessibility characteristics can be communicated to users and distribution systems. Accessible content that is not described accurately can be harder for readers to discover.
Primary sources
- W3C EPUB Accessibility 1.1 — accessibility conformance and discoverability
- W3C EPUB 3.3 — EPUB publication structure